Lesbian Wildlife Hospital - Ζωοκομείο Λέσβου: If you ever travel to the Greek island of Lesvos, a jewel in the sapphire Aegean Sea, caressing the north-western cheek of the old Anatolia and present day Turkey…from time to time, you are likely to catch a white spec weaving in and out of view, in the distance.
…This often seen “white spec”, is in fact an ambulance…for animals!
The imposing, yet humble, druid-like figure resplendent with fantastic long, white beard that often emerges from the depths of the dim cabin, is that of Joris Peeters, a traumatologist. Together with wife Ineke, he operates Lesvos’ Not-for-Profit veterinary facility primarily for injured wildlife.
Joris and Ineke originally hail from the Netherlands. In the late 1990s they were at first, based in Loutropolis, Thermis. Later they transferred to Agia Paraskevi. The past eight years have found them very busy; they have duly established a sanctuary for the rehabilitation of wildlife and also operate a clinic. At the latter, they undertake many different surgical procedures and rehabilitative interventions for injured animals.
Upon meeting Joris and Ineke, one is immediately struck by their attitude and approach: every animal warrants care and attention. To visit the home they share in the village of Agia Paraskevi, along with all manner of animals receiving medical care, one comes to literally see the spectacular variety of wildlife that is most often and ordinarily, “missed” and “unseen”.
Joris and Ineke, together with the volunteer assistants who are mostly from overseas and who visit throughout the year, epitomise a rare form of community leadership. They exercise great commitment and initiative and undertake their activities unobtrusively. In fact, if not for their dedication and diligence, much of the minutiae of their very considerable labours and the biodiversity of the island, would remain unknown. In making every effort to maintain the hospital and place monthly postings of their activities online, they provide a unique opportunity for those both near and far, to share in their experiences. Furthermore, they also incorporate local items of interest in their log entries which enables the online visitor to “catch-up” with the "news".
Some of their work also involves assertive outreach and this is when you are most likely to see the white ambulance visiting various locations around Lesvos. Local primary school groups and passing travellers also sometimes visit the wildlife facilities, providing an opportunity for community education and appreciation of the diverse wildlife.
At various intervals throughout the year, Joris and Ineke also host a range of trainees with differing backgrounds, including in veterinary science and conservation. There is always work to do!
Joris and Ineke are quite proficient in the Greek language and it is a great pleasure to speak with them. They are truly inspirational.
This story compiled with the co-operation of Joris Peeters & Ineke Peeters-Lenglet, Lesbian Wildlife Hospital, September 2009. For further information, please visit: http://www.wildlifeonlesvos.org/
Postscript: “What’s in a name?” you may indeed enquire and for the curious here is a brief explanation: Lesbian = Lesvian. The letter “b” in Greek is phonetically a “v” in English. For a further analysis and debate on this topic, you may also be interested in the following program:
…This often seen “white spec”, is in fact an ambulance…for animals!
The imposing, yet humble, druid-like figure resplendent with fantastic long, white beard that often emerges from the depths of the dim cabin, is that of Joris Peeters, a traumatologist. Together with wife Ineke, he operates Lesvos’ Not-for-Profit veterinary facility primarily for injured wildlife.
Joris and Ineke originally hail from the Netherlands. In the late 1990s they were at first, based in Loutropolis, Thermis. Later they transferred to Agia Paraskevi. The past eight years have found them very busy; they have duly established a sanctuary for the rehabilitation of wildlife and also operate a clinic. At the latter, they undertake many different surgical procedures and rehabilitative interventions for injured animals.
Upon meeting Joris and Ineke, one is immediately struck by their attitude and approach: every animal warrants care and attention. To visit the home they share in the village of Agia Paraskevi, along with all manner of animals receiving medical care, one comes to literally see the spectacular variety of wildlife that is most often and ordinarily, “missed” and “unseen”.
Joris and Ineke, together with the volunteer assistants who are mostly from overseas and who visit throughout the year, epitomise a rare form of community leadership. They exercise great commitment and initiative and undertake their activities unobtrusively. In fact, if not for their dedication and diligence, much of the minutiae of their very considerable labours and the biodiversity of the island, would remain unknown. In making every effort to maintain the hospital and place monthly postings of their activities online, they provide a unique opportunity for those both near and far, to share in their experiences. Furthermore, they also incorporate local items of interest in their log entries which enables the online visitor to “catch-up” with the "news".
Some of their work also involves assertive outreach and this is when you are most likely to see the white ambulance visiting various locations around Lesvos. Local primary school groups and passing travellers also sometimes visit the wildlife facilities, providing an opportunity for community education and appreciation of the diverse wildlife.
At various intervals throughout the year, Joris and Ineke also host a range of trainees with differing backgrounds, including in veterinary science and conservation. There is always work to do!
Joris and Ineke are quite proficient in the Greek language and it is a great pleasure to speak with them. They are truly inspirational.
This story compiled with the co-operation of Joris Peeters & Ineke Peeters-Lenglet, Lesbian Wildlife Hospital, September 2009. For further information, please visit: http://www.wildlifeonlesvos.org/
Postscript: “What’s in a name?” you may indeed enquire and for the curious here is a brief explanation: Lesbian = Lesvian. The letter “b” in Greek is phonetically a “v” in English. For a further analysis and debate on this topic, you may also be interested in the following program:
“Lesbians vs Lesbians”, ABC TV, Australia, Reporter: Helen Vatsikopoulos (Broadcast: 11/11/2008) is at: http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/oldcontent/s2463762.htm